"We have independently organized this festival to advance Sundanese traditions and cultural heritage while shaping a civilization with strong identity and character," the event's chairperson, Tine Yowargana, said in a statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday.
"This event is for all of us, for the prosperity of our society," she added.
The festival's mission is to support talented dancers and cultural practitioners by providing scholarships and the largest cultural grant fund in Indonesia.
According to Yowargana, the festival seeks not only to enhance human resources but also contribute to the 'soft power movement' led by Galuh Pakuan to nurture the Sundanese identity and contributing to national civilization.
The festival will highlight the cultural heritage of Sunda by showcasing creative performances across three stages—a concept never before seen in Indonesia.
She emphasized that the festival is a testament to the dedication to preserving Sundanese culture while fostering globally recognized talent in traditional dance.
She also expressed her deep commitment to Sunda, inspired by her ancestors, including Ratu Ong Tien.
She reaffirmed that the festival's ultimate goal is the well-being of the community, achieved through unity and cultural preservation.
"The people will witness and celebrate the return of Sundanese greatness, marking progress for our nation. Let us look forward to December 26, 2024," she added.
The Sawindu Galuh Pakuan Cup VIII, Indonesia's largest cultural and martial arts festival, is being held from December 23 to December 26 at Gotong Royong Sports Arena in Subang district.
The event, themed "Festival Spectacular," seeks to celebrate the richness of Sundanese traditions through the Jaipongan Creative Dance Festival, a first of its kind in the country.
The event also features several martial arts competitions, including Silat, Muay Thai, MMA, kickboxing, Kempo, Tarung Derajat, Kuras, jiu-jitsu, boxing, karate, and taekwondo.
Participants are competing for a total prize pool of Rp250 million and prestigious trophies, such as the Rotating Trophy of Raja LAK Galuh Pakuan.
Trophies will also be awarded by the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, RRI, and the Indonesia University of Education (Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia/UPI) at the event.
Head of the Karatwan Traditional Institution (Lembaga Adat Karatwan/LAK) Galuh Pakuan of West Java, Evi Silviadi, affirmed his dedication to the event.
"This is a tribute to our ancestors' legacy and a concrete step to unite our nation through art and culture," he said.
Supported by various elements such as West Java NU and local pesantrens across Subang, the event has drawn over four thousand participants nationwide.
The grand celebration will seek to further cement the Sawindu Galuh Pakuan Cup's position as a pioneer and inspirational national cultural event.
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Reporter: Azis Kurmala
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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